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:: Definition :: Hotlines :: Images :: About :: Causes :: Symptoms :: Treatment :: News :: Further Reading Search results last updated: 5/8/2009

macular degeneration - Definition: (Source: MedicineNet)

Macular degeneration : A disease that progressively destroys the macula, the central portion of the retina, impairing central vision. Macular degeneration rarely causes blindness because only the center of vision is affected. However, injury to the macula in the center of the retina can impair the ability to see straight ahead clearly and sometimes make it difficult to read, drive, or perform other daily activities that require fine central vision. ...
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Hotlines for macular degeneration (Source: HealthHotLines)
American Health Assistance Foundation
(800) 437-2423

American Macular Degeneration Foundation
(888) 622-8527

Foundation Fighting Blindness
(800) 683-5555

macular degeneration - Images (Source: MedLinePlus)
Macular degeneration
Macular degeneration 		macular degeneration, Retina
Retina

About macular degeneration (Source: Medem)
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease of the eye that is the leading cause of blindness for people aged 65 years and older and affects more than 10 million Americans. AMD is caused by a deterioration of the retina — the layer of the eye that contains cells that relay images through the optic nerve to the brain. The center of the retina is called the macula and is responsible for the detailed central vision that allows people to read, drive and recognize faces. If the macula starts to break down, areas in the center of the visual field start to look blurred. ...
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eMedicineHealth Macular Degeneration

Causes of macular degeneration (Source: MedLinePlus)
Damage to the macula can gradually destroy central vision, which is used to read and see objects clearly. Two types of macular degeneration (AMD) exist: Dry macular degeneration occurs when the macula becomes thin and dries out. Small yellow deposits, called drusen, form under the macula. As these drusen increase in size and number, they create a blurred spot in the central vision of the eye. Almost all people with macular degeneration have the dry form. Wet macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula and retina (this is called choroidal neovascularization). These vessels can leak blood and fluid, damaging the macula. Vision loss in the central vision can occur very quickly. Only about 10 percent of people with macular degeneration have this form, but it causes most of the vision loss associated with the condition. Scientists aren’t sure what causes AMD. The disease is most common in people over 60, which is why it is often referred to as age-related macular degeneration. Other risk factors are: Caucasian race; Cigarette smoking; Family history; Female gender; Obesity. ...
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Symptoms of macular degeneration (Source: MedLinePlus)
At first you may not have symptoms. As the disease progresses, your central vision can be affected. The most common symptom in dry AMD is blurred vision. As the disease progresses, you may need more light to read or perform everyday tasks. The blurred spot in the center of vision gradually gets larger and darker. In the later stages, you may not be able to recognize faces until people are close to you. AMD typically does not affect side (peripheral) vision. This is very important, because it means you will never have complete vision loss from this disease. The most common early symptom of wet macular degeneration is that straight lines appear distorted and wavy. You may also notice a small dark spot in the center of your vision that gradually gets larger. ...
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macular degeneration - Conventional Treatments (Source: MedLinePlus)
No treatment exists for dry macular degeneration. However, a combination of antioxidants and zinc may slow the progression of the disease. Smokers should not use this treatment. The recommended supplements contain: 500 milligrams of vitamin C; 400 International Units of beta-carotene; 80 milligrams of zinc; 2 milligrams of copper. Although there is no cure for wet AMD, treatments may include: Laser surgery (laser photocoagulation) -- a small beam of light destroys the abnormal blood vessels. Photodynamic therapy -- a light activates a drug that is injected into your body to destroy leaking blood vessels. Special medications that slow the formation of new blood vessels in the eye (anti-angiogenesis (anti-VEGF) therapy) -- drugs such as bevacizumab (Avastin) and ranibizumab (Lucentis) are injected into the eye to stabilize or improve vision. Low-vision aids (such as special lenses) and therapy can help improve your vision and quality of life. ...
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News on macular degeneration
Gene Linked to 'Dry' Macular Degeneration (MedicineNet)
Nearly 18 Million Will Have Macular Degeneration by 2050 (MedicineNet)

Further Reading on macular degeneration

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